Keukenhof Opens with Newly Designed Gardens

Get inspiration, and be creative with flower bulbs in your home and garden

LISSE, Holland, Feb. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Keukenhof, Holland's world-famous spring gardens, will be open again from March 24 to May 20. The 80-acre park is located one hour from Amsterdam and is renowned for its more than 7 million tulip, narcissi, hyacinth and other bulb flowers.

This year, a large part of the 80-acre exhibition has been redeveloped by the well-known Dutch landscape architect Jacqueline van der Kloet. The new inspirational gardens provide both beginners and experienced gardeners with exciting new ideas. There will be new places to sit, lovely new photo opportunities, a romantic bridal path and an authentic Dutch town square near the windmill; the history of the tulip will be illustrated by real flowering tulips. In addition, there will be art on display in the park, with various exhibitions in the pavilions.

The Keukenhof gardens are an overwhelming experience for keen gardeners and for people who simply enjoy a day out. Throughout the opening period special events are organized, inspiring visitors:

 -- Designers and artists took part in the "Blooming Design"
    competition, inspired by the theme "the flower as a jewel or
    fashion accessory". The most beautiful jewelry and accessories
    will be shown in the Oranje Nassau Pavilion at Keukenhof.

 -- Creative bulb flower workshops are organized as well as guided
    tours.

 -- On "Early-bird mornings" the park opens at 6am on May 8 and
    May 16.

 -- Hats play a leading role on Easter Monday (March 28) creating our
    own Easter Parade.

 -- The annual Flower Parade takes place on April 23 with decorated
    floats and cars that go from Noordwijk to Haarlem
    (www.bloemencorso.info).

 -- To see more of the surroundings, bicycles can be rented for a
    ride through the bulb-growing area.

Information on events, opening hours and prices can be obtained through www.keukenhof.com

CONTACT:  Netherlands Board of Tourism
          Bianca Helderman
          212-370-7360 x27
          E-mail: bhelderman@holland.com
          Images are available upon request.

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